Combined direct and indirect light and lighting system



Ju 1940- H. R. ROBINSON E1 AL 2,205,310

couBman nmac'r AND mnmncr LIGHT ND LIGHTING SYSTEM Filed Feb. 7, 19:59 2 sheets-sheet 1 mm lLl1l\.

n w m a 1M uh m Z n uh E 0K & R w Q R *k iNM Patented June 18, 1940 COMBINED DIRECT AND INDIRECT LIGHT AND LIGHTINGSYSTEM i HilyardR. Robinson; Washington, D. 0., and

Aksel J. C. K'nudstrup, Vienna, Va.

Application February 7, 1939, Serial No. 255,118'

7 Claims.

This invention relates to lamps, and more particularly to a lamp structure embodying means for providing indirect illumination.

, An object of this invention is to provide a. lamp structure including a novel reflector which is so constructed as to eliminate the glare incident to direct light rays.

Another object of this invention is to provide a lamp structure which may readily be used as a desk lamp, reading lamp, a bed lamp or for other purposes. V

A further object of this invention is to provide a lamp structure which is capable of using different kinds of light sources depending upon the light intensity desired.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a lamp structure which is so constructed that irrespective of the intensity of the light source, it will provide indirect or diflused light.

Another object of this invention is to provide a lamp structure wherein the main portion of the light rays are directed either downwardly or upwardly and a small portion of the light rays are directed forwardly of the lamp.

A further object of this invention is to provide a lamp structure which can be manufactured at a relatively small cost, the structure being pleasing and attractive in appearance.

A further object of this invention is to provide a lamp structure which may be formed for the most part if not entirely out of initially plastic 4 material.

To the foregoing objects and to others which may hereinafter appear, the invention consists of 85 rangeme'nt of parts as will be morespeciflcally referred to and illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein are shown embodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications may be resorted to which fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a detail, front elevation partly broken away and in section of a lamp structure according to an embodiment of this invention.

the novel construction, combination anda'r- Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on the line- 2-2 of Figure l.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a detail front elevation partly broken away of a modified form of lamp structure, and

Figure 5 is a iragmentarysectional view taken on the line 6-5 of Figure 4.

Referring td the drawings and first to Figures 1. 2 and 3, inclusive, there is disclosed a lamp structure having a reflector constructed in transverse section on a spiral curve which is provided with a lower rear reflector portion 38 formed 5 on a relatively short curve or radius and an upper reflector portion 39 which is formed on a relatively long radius. A light source or lamp 40 is positioned withinthe concave portion of the lower rear reflector member 38 and the forward 10 upper portion of the reflector member 38 extends upwardly a distance suflicient to prevent any direct light rays from the light source 40 passing downwardly and forwardly. End wall members ti are secured to the opposite ends of 16 the reflector member 37!, the end wall members 4i substantially following the configuration of the reflector 31 and having a straight portion 42 extending from the upper edge of the lower reflector 38 tothe lower forward edge of the upper an reflector 33.

An outer shield or cover 43 is disposed about the reflector 3! being held in spaced relation relative to the reflector 3'! by means of bracket members it. The covering or shield i3 is sub- 25; stantially arcuate in transverse section and at the lower rear edge thereof is provided witha relatively straight vertically disposed extension 65 and a forwardly extending portion or flange 46 extends forwardly .of the lower edge of the exso tension 45. A bracing means il extends upwardly and forwardly of the flange t6 and is secured as at 48 to the under side of the reflector 38. The flange 46 together with the extension 41 and the lower portion of the extension 45 form a housing in the central portion of the lamp, the purpose for which will be hereinafter described.

The upper reflector portion 39 is provided forwardly of the lower reflector 38 with a pair of elongated slotslil and the forward edge of the outer cover or shield 43 projects forwardly and downwardly a slight distance from the forward edges of the slots 49. The light rays from the light source 40 are adapted to be projected through the slots 49 and to be reflected downwardly by the inner surface of the cover or shield 43 through the space or opening 50 provided between the forward end of the cover 43- and the upper surface of the upper reflector 39.

An outlet box or reaction chamber 5| is diso posed between the shield or cover 43 and the rear portion of the reflector 31. Where a fluorescent light source is used, the reaction means for the fluorescent light source is adapted to be mounted in the box or casing ii. A pair of vertically disposed standards or supporting members 52 are secured at their upper ends to the housing formed by the flange 46 and the extension 41 and a pipe or conduit 56 extends upwardly from one of these standards 52 and is connected to the outlet box 5| so" that the electric conductors may be extended through one of the standard members 52 and connected to the light socket holding the light source 46. The lower ends of the standard members 52 are secured as by nuts 56 to a base plate 54. The base plate 54 has a centrally disposed clamping jaw or base member 55 which is adapted to engage the upper surface of a support 66. A c-shaped clamp 51 is fixed at one end to the base member 55 and this clamp 51 is provided with a threaded shaft 56 carrying an adjustable or movable jaw 56. A handle 60 is secured to the lower end of the shaft 56. A switch 6| of conventional construction is adapted to be secured to the housing formed by the flange 46 and the extension 41 and is connected by the usual conductors to the light source 46.

In Figures 4 and 5, respectively, there is disclosed another form of lampstructure wherein a reflector member 62 is provided which is substantially similar in construction to the reflector 61 being formed in transverse section on a spiral curve and provided with a lower rear reflector member 63 and an upper and forwardly extending reflector member 64. The radius of the lower reflector 63 is relatively shorter than the radius of the upper reflector 64. End wall members 65 are secured to the opposite ends of the reflector "62 and a light socket 66 may be secured to one or both of the end walls 65. A second light source 61 may be positioned within the lower reflector 63 and may be in the form of a fluorescent light bulb which is adapted to be connected to a reaction member 66 disposed rearwardly of the reflector 62. The reflector 62 is provided in the central and lower portion thereof with a standard 69 which may be of any suitable length and this standard 59 is preferably hollow so as to permit the extension of conductors therethrough for connection with the socket 66 and the reaction member 66. A rear wall or plate 16 provided with a bottom wall 11 extends upwardly from the reflector 62, the bottom wall 11 being secured to the standard 66 and at its forward edge to the rear of the lower reflector 66. A forwardly projecting wall 12 extends forwardly from the upper edge of the back wall 16 and an arcuate reflector 13 extends downwardly from the flange or upper wall 12. The reflector 16 is secured at its lower edge to the rear wall 16 by means of bracket members 14 which are constructed in the form of a straight bar 15 having a right angular rear leg 16. The rear leg 16 is secured to the back wall 16 by fastening means 11. The forward end of the bar 15 is provided with an obtusely disposed extension 16 which is fixed by fastening members 16 to the lower edge of the rear upper reflector 16.

A light source 66 is disposed forwardly of the reflector 16 and is connected to a reaction member 6| which is positioned in the space or chamber 62 between the rear wall 16 and the reflector 16. The upper reflector member 54 is provided with a reflecting upper surface and at a point forwardly of the lower end of the reflector 16 the reflector 64 is provided with an elongated opening 66 so that light rays from the light sources 65 or 61 may be projected upwardly through the open ing 66. Conversely, the light rays from the light source 66 may be projected downwardly through the opening 66.

A second or intermediate arcuate upper reflector 64 is positioned forwardly of the rear upper reflector 16 and above the reflector 64. The opposite ends of the reflector 64 are secured to the end members 65 and the inner lower end of the reflector 84 terminates forwardly of the opening 66 and is positioned in spaced relation to the upper surface of the reflector 64 so that a certain degree of light will pass between the reflector 64 and the reflector 64. A forward wall or reflector plate 65 is connected at its upper edge to the upper forward edge of the reflector 64 and is secured to the end walls 65. The plate 65 is provided with a convex outer surface and a relatively long opening or slot 66 is provided in the forward or lower edge of the plate 66 so that light may pass out through the opening 66. A plurality of U-shaped bracing members 61 are secured as by fastening members 66 to the upper forward reflector 64 and by fastening members 66 to the plate 65. The bracing members 61 are provided with laterally projecting feet 66 which are secured as by fastening members 6| to the upper surface of the reflector 64. A pair of light switches 92 and 66 may be secured to the standard 66 and are adapted to be connected to the light sources in the reflectors 64 and the reflectors 13 and 64. A second light source 64 may be positioned closely adjacent the concave surface of the reflector 64 and may be used in conjunction with the light source mounted in the socket 66. Certain of the direct light rays from the light source 94 are adapted to be projected downwardly through the opening 66 and then be reflected by the reflector 52.-

The lamp disclosed in Figures 1 to 3 is provided as a desk lamp and while we haveshown a clamping means in the form of a c-clamp 51 for clamping the standard 62 onto the table 56, it will be understood that if desired a suitable base may be substituted for the clamping means 51. The light source 46 is adapted to project the light rays onto the two reflectors 66 and 66 and these light rays will then. be reflected forwardly and downwardly. Certain of the light rays from the light source 45 will project through the openings 46 and will pass out or be reflected through the space 66 between the covering 46 and the forward portion of the upper reflector member 66. The reflector 61 together with the cover 46 may also be formed out of plastic material although if desired it may be constructed substantially entirely out of metal.

.Where the lamp disclosed in Figures 4 and 5, respectively is used, either light sources in the lower reflector 62 or the upper reflector comprising the reflector members 16 and 64 may be-used. Where it is desired to use the lamp shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively as a night lamp, a light source 66 is positioned in the space between the intermediate reflector 64 and the outer reflector plate 66. The light rays from this light member 65 will be projected outwardly through the opening 66 and may also be reflected rearwardly by the reflecting inner concave surface of the plate or reflector 65. The rearwardly projected light. rayswill strike the" upper rear reflector 16 and then be deflectedin an upward direction.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that an improved lamp structure has been provided which is capable of being used for various purposes and which will provide indirect or diffused lighting,

- relatively high degree of intensity of light is desired, fluorescent lamps may be mounted in the sockets provided for that purpose and within the several reflectors.

What we claim is: 1. A lamp comprising a reflector having the configuration in transverse section of a spiral curve and including a lower upwardly directed reflector member having a relatively short radius and an upper downwardly directed reflector member, a light source in said lower reflector member, said upper reflectormember having an elongated opening therethrough whereby certain of the light rays from said light source and from said lower reflector are adapted to pass through said upper reflector member, amember above said upper reflector member .a a position to intercept certain of the light rays passing through said opening, said latter member having an edge thereof spaced from the upper surface of said upper reflector member whereby certain of the light rays passing through said opening are adapted to pass forwardly between said latter member and the upper reflector member, and means supporting said latter member in parallel spaced relation to the upper surface of said upper reflector member.

2. A lamp comprising a reflector having the configuration in transverse section of a spiral curve and including a lower upwardly directed reflector member having a relatively short radius and an upper downwardly directed reflector member, a light source in said lower reflector member, said upper reflector member having an elongated opening therethrough whereby certain of the light rays from said light are adapted to pass through said upper reflector member, a member above said upper reflector member in a position to intercept certain of the light rays passing through said opening, said latter member having an edge thereof spaced from the upper surface of said upper reflector member whereby certain of the light rays passing through said opening are adapted to pass forwardly between said latter member and the upper reflector member, means supporting said latter member in parallel spaced relation to the upper surface of said upper reflector member, a housing formed with said latter member and secured to said lower reflector member, and a standard secured at its upper end to said housing.

3. A lamp comprising a reflector having the configuration in transverse section of a spiral curve and including a lower upwardly directed reflector member having a relatively short radius and an upper downwardly directed reflector member, a light source in said lower reflector member, said upper reflector member having an elongated opening therethrough whereby certain of the light rays from said light are adapted to pass through said upper reflector member, a member above said upper reflector member in a position to intercept certain of the light rays passing through said opening, said latter member having an edge thereof spaced from the upper surface of said upper reflector member whereby certain of the light rays passing through said opening are adapted to pass forwardly between said latter member and the upper reflector member, said latter member having a configuration in transverse section coincident with the configuration of said upper reflector member, means supporting said latter member in parallel spaced relation to the upper surface of said upper reflector member, a housing formed with said latter member and secured to said lower reflector member,

and a standard secured at its upper end to said housing.

4. A lamp comprising a reflector having the configuration in transverse section of a spiral curve and including a lower upwardly directed reflector member having a relatively short radius and an upper downwardly directed reflector member, a light source in said lower reflector member, said upper reflector member having an elongated opening therethrough whereby certain of the light rays from said light are adapted to pass through said upper reflector member, a member above said upper reflector member in a position to intercept certain of the light rays passing through said opening, said latter member having an edge thereof spaced from the upper surface of said upper reflector member whereby certain of the light rays passing through said opening are adapted to pass forwardly between said latter member and the upper reflector member, said latter member having. a configuration in transverse section coincident with the configuration of said upper reflector member, means supporting said latter member in parallel spaced relation to the upper surface of said upper reflector member, a housing formed with said latter member and secured tosaid lower reflector member, and a standard secured at its upper end to said housing, the forward edge of said latter member terminating rearwardly of the forward edge of said upper reflector member.

5. A lamp comprising a horizontally disposed elongated reflector substantially of spiral con-' upper portion having an opening in the top thereof, a curved reflector member arranged over the said upper portion and acting tointercept the light rays passing through said opening and directing light rays forwardly of said upper portion,

said member having an edge portion permanently spaced from the upper surface of the upper portion of the horizontal reflector, and means for supporting said horizontal reflector and said member.

6. A lamp comprising a horizontally disposed elongated reflector substantially of spiral contour in transverse section, said reflector being formed of an upper elongated downwardly directed reflecting portion and a lower upwardly directed reflecting portion of less width than, depending from, and merging at its rear into the rear end of said upper portion, a lamp arranged in the rear end terminal'portlon of said reflector and disposed within said lower portion, the said upper portion having an opening in the top thereof, curved reflecting means arranged over the said upper portion, said means having an edge portion permanently spaced from the uppersurface of the upper portion of the horizontal reflector, means for supporting said horizontal reflector and said curved reflecting means, and means whereby rays of light are projected between the upper surface of the upper horizontal reflector and the edge portion of the curved reflecting means.

per downwardly directed reflecting portion hav-.

ing an elongated opening in the top thereof and extending lengthwise thereof, and curved reflecting means arranged above said upper reflecting portion, said curved reflecting means comprising a rear reflector extending upwardly from said upper reflecting portion and having the lower edge thereof disposed closely adjacent the rear edge of said elongated opening, an intermediate reflector forwardly of said rear reflector and having the rear edge thereof disposed forwardly of said opening and spaced upwardly from the upper surface of said upper reflecting portion, a forward reflector extending upwardly from said upper reflecting portion and having its upper edge contacting with the upper edge of said intermediate reflector, the lower edge of said forward reflector being disposed in upwardly spaced relation to the upper surface of said upper reflecting portion, a lamp arranged between said rear reflector and said intermediate reflector above said opening and a lamp arranged between said intermediate reflector and said forward reflector.

Hill-YARD R. ROBINSON.

AKSEL J. C. KNUDS'I'RUP. 

